Posters

The impact of International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) examinations in the Latin America region

Poster Details

First Author: J.Batlle DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Co Author(s):    W. Felch                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To determine the impact of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) examination in the Latin America Region.

Setting:

Centro Laser, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Methods:

A systematic review of the records kept by the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) for its board examination during the last ten years.

Results:

The exams were first offered in the Latin American region in 1995 and have continued to grow. A total of 600 exams were taken in Latin America in the year 2015, with the largest centres being in Mexico, Dominican Republic and Brazil. The examinations are offered in the month of April in 12 languages and consist of three parts: Basic Science Examination, Optics and Refraction and Clinical Sciences and Advance Fellow Degree in Ophthalmology.

Conclusions:

The ICO examination has proven itself as a valuable asset for the residency training programs where it has been implemented. In some countries, passing the ICO exam is a pre-requisite to licensing by the local societies and boards of ophthalmology.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE